Reginald Bernstein

Nozwelo Hadebe, Chronicle Reporter
A ZIMBABWEAN man who is wanted in South Africa on allegations of stealing more than R10 million from a company he was working for, has been arrested in Victoria Falls.

Reginald Bernstein (61), originally from Bulawayo but residing at 30 Canterbury, Avondale in Harare, was allegedly on the run from the time the crimes were unearthed in November 2015.

Police, acting on a provisional warrant of arrest from International Police (Interpol), fished out Bernstein from his hide-out in Victoria Falls on March 16.

Bernstein faces theft and fraud charges allegedly committed between April 7,  2009 and November 27, 2015 in South Africa when he was employed at Danger Golf Estate in Gauteng Province.

He has been in remand prison since his arrest last month as the State intends to make an application for his extradition.

Bernstein’s lawyer, Mr Givemore Mvhiringi. of Mvhiringi and Associates had applied for his release from custody pending the extradition.

In his submissions, Mr Mvhiringi indicated that his client had no problem with being extradited but wanted to be released from custody pending the process.

The lawyer said in terms of the law, a person arrested on a provisional warrant cannot be detained for more than 28 days. Bernstein was arrested on March 16 and the 28 days lapsed on Thursday last week.

Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje, however, dismissed the application saying Bernstein cannot be released before determination of extradition.

In response, Mr Mvhiringi said the ruling was not fair to the accused as it “seriously offends justice.”

Prosecuting, Mr Takunda Ndovorwi told the court that the State had been granted permission by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to apply for Bernstein’s extradition.

The case was rolled over to this Friday.

Charges levelled against Bernstein in the neighbouring country are that he stole some money from his employer.

“Between April 7, 2009 and November 27, 2015 and at Danger Golf Estate in Gauteng Province, the accused took cash amounting to R4 214 177,52 which belonged to Dainfern Golf Estate and Country Club Home Owners Association.

“During same period, he misrepresented that he was authorised to cause payment to be effected to First National Bank of South Africa for maintenance work and defrauded the company of R6 616 172,39,” prosecutors allege.

Bernstein was allegedly found in possession of a radio he allegedly stole from the company before escaping.

@nonoe_hadebe

Codelia Mondela, Chronicle Reporter
A WOMAN from Mangwe District allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him alight following a heated argument over a bucket of sorghum.

Alphos Moyo (57) died at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo last week following the callous attack on April 4 at around 8PM.

Monica Nxumalo (54) from Mayobodo area allegedly poured 20 litres of petrol outside the veranda of the dining room where her husband was seated.

The fuel flowed into the room and she allegedly lit a match and set the house ablaze.

A source close to the couple yesterday said Nxumalo’s skirt also caught fire and she fled to the bush in flames.

The two were initially ferried to Brunapeg Hospital and later transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

“Moyo accused his wife of giving her sister a bucket of sorghum and some groceries while he was away in South Africa. Monica suspected their herdsman, Amen Mudimba, was the one who had snitched on her. She called him from his bedroom and threatened to burn him,” said the source.

“Moyo, however, said someone else had told him about the issue. Monica is a violent woman, so being afraid of being burnt in his sleep, Mudimba decided to go and sleep at a neighbour’s homestead,” the source said.

The source said Nxumalo left the dining room in a huff.

She allegedly woke the maid up and ordered her to give her some matches.

“Monica took petrol which was in a 20 litre container and poured it on the floor. The petrol flowed out of the dining room to the veranda and she closed the door while her husband was inside. She struck a match while the maid was watching and threw it into the pool of petrol,” said the source.

A police source said there was a loud whoosh as the fuel ignited and flames were suddenly everywhere.

“Nxumalo’s skirt also caught fire and she fled to the bush in flames,” said the source.

A neighbour who spoke on condition of anonymity said the inferno attracted neighbours who rushed to assist in putting it out.

“We found Moyo ablaze, rolling on the ground. He was screaming that his wife had killed him for his riches,” said the neighbour.

Nxumalo, the neighbour said, arrived as they were battling the huge fire. “Moyo saw his wife and ordered her to finish him off. She coldly told him that he would die on his own. The two were taken to Brunapeg Hospital but later transferred to Mpilo where Moyo died after four days,” the neighbour said.

Matabeleland South Acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Loveness Mangena could not comment on the matter yesterday saying she was yet to look into it as the incident might not have been reported.

@MondelaC

President Mnangagwa

Chronicle Reporters
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said this year’s independence celebrations are of great significance as they are being held under a new trajectory of freedom, openness and opportunity.

The country commemorates 38 years of independence tomorrow under the theme “Sustainable Industrial Development.”

The theme is in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of economic transformation through industrial development.

In a pre-independence message on his Facebook page on Sunday, President Mnangagwa preached peace, tolerance and unity.

“As we celebrate another blessed Sunday, we look forward to a week during which we will celebrate our country’s independence.

“This year’s celebrations carry even greater resonance as we have entered a new period in our history, a period of freedom, openness and opportunity,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said in this new era, Zimbabweans must be liberated not only from without but also from within, from hate, prejudice and discord.

“Let us always remain united, working together with our brothers and sisters to build a strong and open Zimbabwe for all,” the President said.

Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Simon Khaya Moyo said the national celebrations would be held at the National Sports Stadium and provincial commemorations at provincial capitals.

The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Angeline Masuku said people will be gathered at White City Stadium to join the rest of the country in celebrating the significant day.

Minister Masuku, who will read the President’s speech, urged the people of Bulawayo to come in their numbers to celebrate Independence Day.

“This is a significant day, which this year comes at a time when we’re in the new dispensation that has brought hope to the people of Zimbabwe. We’re looking forward to a peaceful working environment, where we have one vision of reviving Bulawayo’s industries.

“I have toured the factories in Bulawayo to have an understanding of what is required to revive our industries. I submitted the requirements to Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha’s office so that we get some support. I’m hopeful that soon Bulawayo will be back on its feet again,” said Minister Masuku.

She added that projects like the Egodini Mall and the recently commissioned National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotives are a sign that Bulawayo will not be the same again.

“I’m proud of the people of Bulawayo for their togetherness and working hard. I want to urge them to continue working together in peace.

“We want to move forward and not lag behind. I therefore urge all the people of Bulawayo to come in their numbers and be part of the celebrations,” said Minister Masuku.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Cde Abedinico Ncube said all was set for the independence celebrations in the province.

“We’re ready for celebrations because Zimbabwe is our country. It was a hard-won independence. This is why we leave no stone unturned in Independence Day preparations. “We’re a sovereign state, we’re satisfied with where we are going,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the departure of former President Robert Mugabe will not have a bearing on the independence celebrations.

Mr Mugabe has been in charge of the country’s independence celebrations since 1980 and this is the first time he will not be presiding over its commemorations.

He said President Mnangagwa fits well in leading the commemoration of the country’s Independence Day.

“We are still a Zanu-PF government. Nothing has changed. We will continue doing what we’ve been doing for the past 38 years. Even in the new political dispensation being led by a veteran of the liberation struggle, Cde ED Mnangagwa, we will joyfully celebrate our independence. There is going to be a lot of meat to feast on during the commemorations,” Minister Ncube said.

The Minister for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs, Cde Cain Mathema, said they expect a bigger turnout this year as more businesses and individuals came forward to support the event owing to renewed hope following the coming in of the new dispensation.

The celebrations will be held at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane with food and a music gala as well and drills by the uniformed forces.

Minister Mathema will read the President’s speech.

He urged people from across the province to come in their numbers and to even celebrate in their homes.

“We are expecting large numbers this year and we encourage people to come so we celebrate together especially now that we have a new dispensation and the spirit of us being independent is very high. People must not forget this day regardless of the challenges they may be facing. Let’s lift the Zimbabwean flag wherever we are,” said Minister Mathema.

He said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate had donated game meat while well-wishers donated different kinds of food and material.

Celebrations will also be held at district level.

In Binga people will be gathered at Saba Primary School while in Hwange there will be a soccer match between Hwange Legends and select team from Livingstone, Zambia with lots of entertainment from local groups at Old Grounds.

Mpumelelo High School in Nkayi will be the venue for district celebrations. In Masvingo, all is set for the independence celebrations to be held at Mucheke Stadium, with the provincial committee having mobilised more than $7 000 towards the event.

Provincial administrator who is also chairman of the committee, Mr Fungai Mbetsa, said preparations for this year’s celebrations were complete with minor touch ups remaining to be done on the design of the venue. He hailed Government stakeholders, individuals and other private companies for donating towards the hosting of the event and urged people from all walks of life to attend, irrespective of one’s political persuasion.

“We’re ready for the independence celebrations. We have mobilised at least $7 000 from our all weather friends. We are only left with a few touch-ups on designing the stadium,” said Mr Mbetsa. “We urge all people in Masvingo, including all political parties, to attend the celebrations at Mucheke.

“This is a national event which does not segregate people basing on anything- be it politics, religion, colour or creed. We should celebrate this day together to mark the day we were liberated from colonial bondage as a people,” said Mr Mbetsa.

He said as a precursor to the celebrations, Masvingo held a Miss Independence beauty pageant on Saturday and those who won will be presented to the guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Senator Josaya Hungwe, on the day of celebrations.

Mr Mbetsa said everyone who will attend the celebrations will be fed and the committee has mobillised enough for the people.

He also said the uniformed forces –Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, will provide the main entertainment through their exhilarating slow and quick march drills.

Senator Hungwe is expected to read President Mnangagwa’s speech.

Scenes from the violent skirmishes at Gaika Mine in Kwekwe

Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
GAIKA Gold Mine in Kwekwe, which recently opened under a Community Ownership Trust, has temporarily ceased operations following the death of two people after a war of machetes broke out.

The mine, which has been closed for the past 20 years, was reopened in February following the intervention of Mbizo Legislator Cde Vongaiishe Mpereri as a Community Ownership Trust where youths take turns to extract the precious mineral.

But violence has reared its ugly head at the mine last week with machete wars being the order of the day as the youths reportedly fight for pits.

Two people, a security guard manning the mine and a youth, have reportedly died while several others were injured as a result of the violent running battles.

Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said the reports were yet to reach her office.

Watch Video

“I will check but I am yet to receive any report of that nature, I will come back to you after confirming,” she said.

Cde Mpereri, who chairs the Trust, confirmed the reports and blamed youths from other towns for causing the chaos.

“The people who are behind these deaths are not from Kwekwe, they are outsiders who have heard that Gaika is paying and come during the night to steal gold ore that would have been mined by others,” he said.

Cde Mpereri said activities run from 7AM to7PM every day and no one is allowed to conduct any mining activities during the night.

“We have had problems with people from places like Shurugwi and Zvishavane who come here with evil intentions and cause havoc. They come during the night when people have knocked off and steal gold ore, that is when they have problems with our security personnel,” he said.

“This is the main reason why we do not want outsiders to come in because they cause problems, ever since we resumed operations, we have been doing it in peace,” said Cde Mpereri.

He, however, could not be drawn into discussing the deaths saying the matter was in the hands of the police.

Cde Mpereri said security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of miners.

“We have managed to resolve the matter but it is unfortunate that I cannot divulge measures that we have taken, but I can assure you that security has been improved and anyone caught with a machete will be in for it,” he said.

Cde Mpereri said operations have since resumed after a schedule with proper details of every member conducting activities at the mine was registered with the authorities.

“We have beefed up security. We have also created a register where everyone who is undertaking activities so that we can easily trace them. Those from outside Kwekwe will not be allowed as they cause problems,” he said.

“This is part of our youth empowerment projects and if someone wants to disturb such a programme, they will face the consequences. We cannot be disturbed by two or three selfish individuals”.

The mine has reportedly benefitted more than 2 000 youths from Kwekwe and surrounding areas like Zhombe and Silobela.

President Mnangagwa speaks to Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda while Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzayi Chimonyo and Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Elson Moyo look on after watching Chinhoyi 7 Battle film, at Ster Kinekor, Sam Levy Borrowdale, Harare today.-(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga, together with Cabinet Ministers and service chiefs, today had a chance to view local liberation war movie “Chinhoyi 7” at Ster Kinekor, Borrowdale in Harare.

The private viewing comes ahead of the launch of the film anytime soon.

Based on the Chinhoyi Battle of 1966, where first shots of the Second Chimurenga were fired, the film seeks to correct some misconceptions about the war.

President Mnangagwa hailed the film players for documenting the country’s history adding that Zimbabweans should safeguard the country’s hard-won independence.

“The burden of defending our land and passing on the patriotism in our blood is upon us to pass on to generations to come,” he said.

More to follow…

Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has urged members of the public in possession of firearms either lawfully or illegally to surrender them to police stations countrywide for verification.

In a statement today, CID acting spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho said the verification exercise was necessary as some licenced holders were no longer in the same position as they were when they applied for the firearms.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Criminal Investigation Department, is calling for all holders of firearms either lawful or illegal to surrender them to police stations for the verification exercise,” she said.

More to follow…

Pamela Shumba/Walter Mswazie/Thupeyo Muleya, Chronicle Reporters
ZIMBABWE today celebrates 38 years of Independence from British colonial rule with Zanu-PF yesterday calling on all patriots to uphold and cherish the values that sprung from the liberation struggle.

The party’s secretary for information and publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said Independence Day was not only important to Zanu-PF but to all Zimbabweans.

“On the 18th of April, the nation celebrates one of the most important days on the national calendar, the day on which we, the great people of Zimbabwe attained nationhood.

“With that in mind, the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, Politburo, Central Committee and the party as a whole wish to congratulate the people of Zimbabwe on the 38th anniversary of independence,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

He said this year’s independence celebrations were historic, as they come at a time when the nation is celebrating not only the attainment of independence, but also the ushering in of the new political dispensation led by President Mnangagwa.

“The independence we celebrate today came through the supreme and priceless sacrifices of many fine men and women who perished in the struggle in countless battles fought both within and outside our borders, and therefore it should be celebrated by all Zimbabweans irrespective of political, racial or religious divide, in peace and unity.

“We also, of course are aware that the struggle was led by two erstwhile liberation armies, Zanla and Zipra. As the nation reflects on the attainment of its nationhood, we also extend special gratitude towards the immense contribution of all those who assisted us to attain our freedom and independence. We owe them eternal gratitude,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

He added that the party was pleased with the progress being made by the new dispensation, which has seen rapid results within a short space of time.

“The re-engagements efforts, being pursued with the international community present a bright future for our beloved country. Under the ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ mantra, foreign direct investment has started flowing into the country.

“As we approach the elections, we call upon Zimbabweans as a collective to shun violence so that the goal of peace, free, fair and credible elections is achieved,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

In Bulawayo province, all roads lead to White City Stadium, where Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial affairs Cde Angeline Masuku, will lead the celebrations.

In Matabeleland South the main independence commemorations will be held at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, where the Minister of State for provincial affairs, Cde Abedinico Ncube will lead the celebrations.

Cde Ncube yesterday said a lot of ground had been covered in terms of preparations and that they were expecting a huge crowd.

He said those who will fail to make it to Gwanda, will converge at various centres in all the province’s seven districts.

“All has been set and we are calling on people to gather at all the identified venues as we celebrate the country’s independence under a new political dispensation led by President Mnangagwa. It’s high time we worked together as Zimbabweans to promote unity and national economic development to consolidate the gains of our hard-won independence from minority rule.

“In addition, I want to urge all the citizens to rally behind President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF in the forthcoming harmonised elections,” said Cde Ncube.

In Masvingo, the provincial event would be at Mucheke Stadium, with the uniformed forces ready to entertain the crowd.

A visit to Mucheke Stadium yesterday revealed that the uniformed forces who were perfecting their art and setting the tone for today’s celebrations.

Provincial administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa said Masvingo could not wait for the significant day, as everything was in place for the occasion which was likely to draw people from all walks of life, to mark the day the country was liberated.

He said the event was promising to be bigger and better given the zeal that people had, as result of the new dispensation.

“This year’s independence celebrations will be like the one in 1980 when we conquered the oppressors. We expect the stadium to be a full house.

“If you are in Masvingo and not found at Mucheke tomorrow, I do not think, you will have any other day when you will be happy because this is day that God chose for the people of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mbetsa.

He added that Masvingo Minister of State for provincial affairs, Senator Josaya Hungwe, will lead the celebrations.

Dr Thokozani Khupe and her lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku walk out of the High Court in Bulawayo yesterday

Auxilia Katongomara/Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporters
MDC-T breakaway deputy president, Dr Thokozani Khupe yesterday filed an urgent application at the Constitutional Court in Harare challenging her expulsion from Parliament and seeking re-instatement.

The court application follows her recent ejection from Parliament after the MDC-T recalled her.

Dr Khuphe through her lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku is also challenging Parliaments’ failure to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the security of her seat as a duly elected MP and the leader of opposition.

In the application, Dr Khuphe and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) are cited as the applicants while the Parliament of Zimbabwe , Speaker of Parliament and MDC-T national deputy chairperson Mr Morgen Komichi are cited as the first , second and third respondents.

In the application, Dr Khuphe says she approached the apex court as it has jurisdiction to determine whether Parliament or the President has failed to fulfil a constitutional obligation as expressly stipulated by section 167(2).

“At the core of this application is my contention that the first respondent, in arbitrarily announcing that I had lost my seat in circumstances where no reasonable Parliament could ever act in the same manner, failed to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the security of my seat as its duly elected member.

“I am approaching this Court in my own interests as a citizen of Zimbabwe, who was elected a Member of the National Assembly in the last general election held on 31 July, 2013. Notwithstanding the position taken by the first respondent, I believe that, at law, I am still a Member of Parliament,” read the application.

Dr Khuphe states that her locus standi in seeking the court’s redress on the matter is beyond dispute.

She argued that whenever Parliament’s attention has been drawn to a split or potential split in a political party, it has a constitutional obligation not to recognise a written notice from one of the groups without either taking the matter to court under an interpleader of sorts or referring the parties to a court for determination.

“From the foregoing, there is a failure by the first respondent in several respects. First, despite being put on notice by me in my capacity as a member and leader of the opposition in Parliament regarding the leadership wrangles triggered by the death of our president, the first respondent failed to fulfil the constitutional obligation of referring the issue to, or waiting for, a court of law before recognising the contents of the letter by the third respondent. Secondly, in the circumstances of this case, the first respondent acted irrationally in recognising the contents of the letter by the third respondent. I submit that no reasonable parliament could ever have recognised the contents of the third respondent’s purported written notice,” said Dr Khuphe.

She said she believed that the matter was extremely urgent and there was no reason why she should be stopped from performing her duties as a Member of Parliament “on patently unconstitutional actions” of Mr Komichi.

“I am the leader of a political party and my absence from Parliament seriously prejudices not only my political career but also the interests of my party and the electorate. Parliament is currently debating electoral reforms ahead of the next elections. I have an electoral mandate to be involved at this crucial period,” read the application.

She said more fundamentally, any delay in determining the application will infringe on her rights under section 67 of the Constitution as it is only fair that this matter be determined before the sitting of the nomination courts.

“The Court may take judicial notice of the fact that nomination courts will sit in a few weeks. The issues raised in this application are of immense public importance and require an authoritative determination by the highest court. It appears to me that this is the sort of matter requiring the Constitutional Court to act on an urgent basis,” said Dr Khuphe.

In the draft order, Dr Khuphe prays the court declares that Parliament failed to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the tenure of the seat of a Member of Parliament as required by sections 119(1) and 129 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 by unlawfully, arbitrarily, irrationally and prematurely announcing and/or recognising a vacancy in respect of her seat.

She also wants to be reinstated as a Member of Parliament and that the letter by Mr Komichi to Parliament be declared null and void and of no force or effect.

‘That the Respondents (if they oppose this application) jointly and severally pay the costs of this application the one paying the others to be absolved,” read the draft order.

In the application Dr Khuphe gives a background leading to the squabbles in her party stating that she was elected deputy president of the MDC-T- in 2006 and was re-elected to the same post in subsequent congresses including the last one in 2014 and says that she is the only deputy president of the party elected by congress.

@AuxiliaK

@nqotshili

VP Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga

Takunda Maodza, Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT has with immediate effect dismissed all striking nurses after they refused to go back to work even though the employer had acceded to their demands and availed over $17 million.

The Health Services Board (HSB) has since been instructed to speedily employ all unemployed, but trained nurses.

The HSB has also been directed to recall retired nurses.

In a statement yesterday, Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) – in his capacity as the supervisor of the social services cluster – said the behaviour by the nurses was politically motivated.

“Against a background of a series of meetings involving Government, the Health Services Board and the Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (ZINA), which were meant to resolve the industrial action by nursing staff in the public health sector and the subsequent decision by Government yesterday to accede to the demands made by the striking nurses, Government regrets to note that the industrial action in this essential service sector has persisted,” said VP Chiwenga.

He added: “What makes the whole action both deplorable and reprehensible is the fact that as agreed yesterday, Government released and transferred a sum of $17 114 446 into the account of the Ministry of Health and Child Care for on-payment to the striking nurses.

“While this demonstrated good faith on the part of Government, the prompt transfers which have been effected against demonstrable economic challenges facing our nation has not, quite surprisingly, persuaded the striking nurses to go back to their work stations in the interest of saving lives and helping hapless patients placed under their care.”

VP Chiwenga said Government “now regards this lack of remorse as politically motivated” and “as going beyond concerns of conditions of service and worker welfare”.

Dr David Parirenyatwa

“Accordingly, Government has decided, in the interest of patients and of saving lives, to discharge all the striking nurses with immediate effect,” he said.

“Further, Government has instructed the Health Services Board to speedily engage, as appropriate, all unemployed, but trained nurses in the country.

“It has also authorised the board to recall retired nursing staff into service.”

The funds originally released to meet the demands of the striking nurses will now be re-directed and allocated towards meeting the costs of effecting the new directive and arrangement, which takes immediate effect.

“In the meantime, Government pays tribute to all nurses who have loyally remained at work and to those from the ranks of the striking nurses who have heeded its call for them to return to work,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Their commitment to duty and patients, both pointing to a deep regard for life as required by their professional oath, is noted and much appreciated.”

Government is appealing to people visiting public health institutions to be patient while services are being restored.

It is also urging Zimbabweans to practise good hygiene at home and in public places in view of sporadic cases of cholera reported in some parts of the country.

The decision by Government to dismiss the striking nurses followed a series of meetings with the employees.

On Monday, ZINA met the HSB and Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa and matters were escalated as they met VP Chiwenga.

It was at that meeting that an agreement was reached through the release of the $17 114 446 yesterday into the account of the Ministry of Health and Child Care to take care of all the issues raised by ZINA.

The agreement was that ZINA would get all its members back to work, but the nurses still did not report for duty.

VP Chiwenga then called for a second meeting yesterday to find out what was happening.

The meeting was attended by Minister Parirenyatwa, officials from the Ministry of Finance and the HSB.

The officials from the Ministry of Finance confirmed that $17 114 446 had been transferred into the Ministry of Health and Child Care account and $4 million had by that time been transferred into the accounts of the striking nurses.

Minister Parirenyatwa reported that the nurses had not reported back for work.

It was after the update that it was realised that the nurses were out for a showdown with the State.

Three recommendations were then made – to dismiss all the striking nurses, recruit all qualified, but unemployed nurses and recall retired nurses.

The recommendations were taken to President Mnangagwa, who met VP Chiwenga, Minister Parirenyatwa, the HSB and officials from the Ministry of Finance.

Endorsing the recommendations, President Mnangagwa said: “Government has done everything to comply with the demands of the striking nurses and the striking nurses have done everything to defy the directive by Government. This leaves us with no option, but to dismiss them.”

UPDATES: Harare Bureau

Online Editor Stanford Chiwanga

13:00 – That’s all from us today but the celebrations continue. In the afternoon Zimbabwe takes on Botswana. Good luck Warriors.

12:54 – Parade commander asks for permission from President Mnangagwa to march off the parade square.

12:52 – President Mnangagwa leave his podium to applause and cheers.

12:50 – In a few months time, we hold harmonised elections. I urge all political leaders to shun violence, hurt speech in all our contests. We have invited countries to observe our elections from Sadc, Au and Eu. Elections will be free and fair. Let us think big of our country. Nothing is impossible. We shall rise. Happy 38 years of independence. Long live our country. God bless you and God bless Zimbabwe – President Mnangagwa says as he finishes his speech.

12:47 – He says culture of dialogue will enhance accountability to the people and this will help us achieve our goals. He commends the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and other security arms for maintenance of peace in country.

12:45 – We need to modernise the economy of our great country. The surmountable task to build our economy is for us together.

He says during his regional and international trips, he met diasporans whom he briefed regarding situation at home and invited them to make contributions towards economic recovery.

12:42 – To all workers, i urge you to work hard with good ethics and as we grow our economy we also seek to address your issues. We have received commitments from the global world because of our willingness to open a new chapter with rest of the world.

12:38 – Our efforts are guaranteeing investor confidence. I urge finance sector to have robust strategies that translate to demands of economy. Surely, Zimbabwe is Open for Business. We need to establish the one stop shop investment centre. To improve efficiency good governance in public sector is crucial. We need to fight corruption. We need to reform our parastatals. We are open for business in all facets.

12:34 – Government seeks to observe good corporate governance. Following our engagement with China, water problems in Harare will soon be a thing of the past….We know hardships associated with unavailability of cash, we are all working to address that in earnest. We will resolve shortages of cash in the economy.

12: 32 – There is need to revitalise the social service sector. We are mindful of rural population. We need to create vital rural economies. We are ensuring availability of drugs… We need to deal with violence perpetrated on women and girls… The Basic Education and Assistance Model seeks to assist 400 000 students from now through to August.

12:28 – Government attending to various issues that enhance competitiveness. We need country to engage in global best practices. We are committed to availing scholarships. This is a key goal for government. We need to look at ICT projects as they help our young to thrive in economic development. We have a heart for infrastructure development. Beitbridge Chirundu highway, modernisation and expansion of the RG Mugabe international airport is our priority. he commissioning of the Kariba South power plant has helped our power supply. Soon Hwange power plant will be improved. Tourism sector is improving by the increased arrival of tourists which is boosting our attractiveness as a good tourism destination.

12:22 – President Mnangagwa gives a brief narrative on how government has opened Zimbabwe for business. He applauds the recently signed $4.2 billion mining deal. He says we need to prioritise value addition. He says the revitalisation of Zisco Steel and the railway sector are crucial for rebirth of the manufacturing sector.

12:20 – The new government has a new way of doing things and we have amended the indigenisation policy. We have opened various sectors to the world.

12:18 – China has pledged to assist us in meeting our endeavours. Russia and Belarus have made firm commitments to set up agriculture and mining plants in Zimbabwe.

12:16 – We have availed money to beef up and sustain command agriculture. We also need to protect the forestry industry. We are strongest when we work together. We are confident our efforts will improve livelihood and incomes of our rural community. We are also trying to minimise adverse effects of climate change by constructing dams.

12:14 – The renewed spirit of hope and determination by our people is encouraging. The goodwill we continue to receive is positive. We have positive changes in the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors. Government is ensuring food sufficiency through command agriculture.

12:12 – For challenges we face, we need to focus on pursuit for economic recovery, poverty reduction, rehabilitation of social services and respect for rule of law. We need to protect and encourage private sector enterprises. We need to fight corruption. We will not achieve goals overnight. But through discipline we will realise our goals. Zimbabwe will rise again and be great.

12:10 – We need to progress together despite creed and language. Our national anthem is our identity as a nation. Today, we declare our independence and five months in our New Zimbabwe we say God bless Zimbabwe despite some challenges – ED

12:08 – It is my pleasure to welcome you to this historic event. This year’s celebrations are significant as they are first under new dispensation. We honour our fallen heroes and may they be remembered for the freedom we enjoy today – President Mnangagwa says as he gives a brief background about last year’s November Revolution.

12:05 – Minister Moyo invites President Mnangagwa to the podium. The President welcomes all invited guests.

12:02 – In his opening welcome remarks, Minister Moyo acknowledges presence of President Mnangagwa, First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, members of the Presidium, Service Chiefs, Senior government and invited guests to the independence celebrations.

“We are all bound together by the love for Zimbabwe despite political affiliation…Operation Restore Legacy was there to restore the founding values of our liberation struggle.”

11:57 – Scenes from White City Stadium…

11:50 - Local Government Minister July Moyo takes to the podium and invites Bishop Manhanga to give an independence dedication.

11:46 - President Mnangagwa is given the torch and lights up the Independence Flame. First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa releases pigeons into the sky. Pigeons released represent peace and love, themes that have defined the New Dispensation led by President Mnangagwa.

11:45 - The parade ends as the Torch bearers enter the stadium.

11:43 – Parade advancing in view order. Forces at parade making war cry for Zimbabwe reminiscing late Cde Chinx’s Nyika Yedu YeZimbabwe song.

11:37 – At the National Sports Stadium the Parade is in slow march and delegates rise to revere the members of the uniformed forces.

11:33 – In Masvingo members of the ZNA, ZPCS & ZRP are currently conducting a parade to mark the start of the event

11:29 – President Mnangagwa finishes inspecting the parade. He is now at the podium where the parade commander asked for permission for a slow and quick march.

11:27 – Thousands of people have already gathered at White City Stadium to mark Independence celebrations in Bulawayo. We are waiting for the arrival of the guest of honour Cde Angeline Masuku.

11:25 – President Mnangagwa is now inspecting the parade.

11:22 – The Matabeleland North celebrations are being held at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane, people trickling in in droves, just being dropped by buses, trucks and private cars from all the seven districts, so far VIPs are yet to arrive, notable provincial leadership who have arrived so far is PA Latiso Dlamini.
In the meantime the crowd is being entertained through music. The independence parade has just marched into stadium.

11:07 - The singing of the National Anthem marks the start of the official proceedings.

11:06 - Crowd singing along to Jah Prayzah’s “Kutonga Kwaro” as President Mnangagwa and the First Lady wave at the people. This is the first independence celebrations to be officiated by President Mnangagwa since his ascendancy to the Presidency following the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe.

11:05 – President Mnangagwa enters the arena with the First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa. Jubilation and a jovial mood sets the stadium alight

1100: MDC-T president Nelson Chamisa has just arrived. Chamisa urged his supporters to be part of the independence celebrations as it is a national event.

1056: Vice President Constantino Chiwenga arrives in the company of his wife Mrs Marry Chiwenga.

1044: Some of the placards here carry various messages of reform and economic rebirth, among them, “Reforming for Efficiency” “A New Dispensation for Economic Prosperity” “Land + Investment Hard Work + Efficiency = Success”

10:37 – Chief Justice Luke Malaba is the latest high-ranking official to arrive at the stadium.

10:35 – Senior army commanders, government officials, traditional leaders and invited guests from various embassy missions are part of today’s big event. ZAOGA FIF Ministries leader Dr. Ezekiel Guti and wife, Apostle Euna Guti are also among the many who are wearing President Mnangagwa’s trademark scarf.

10:23 - Detachments from the ZNA, Air Force, ZRP and Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services are part of the parade.

10:18 - Religious groups representing various denominations are also at the event.

10:17 - Members of the country’s uniformed forces now march into the stadium for the parade. Their drills receive cheers and ululation from the crowd.

10:12 - Sungura maestro Alick Macheso is currently entertaining the party-goers.

10:01 - President Mnangagwa invited all political parties to attend the celebrations.

PREAMBLE

ZIMBABWE today celebrates 38 years of Independence from British colonial rule with Zanu-PF yesterday calling on all patriots to uphold and cherish the values that sprung from the liberation struggle.

The National Sports Stadium is the venue for the main celebrations and already people from all walks of life are filling the giant stadia.

In Bulawayo province, all roads lead to White City Stadium, where Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial affairs Cde Angeline Masuku, will lead the celebrations.

In Matabeleland South the main independence commemorations will be held at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, where the Minister of State for provincial affairs, Cde Abedinico Ncube will lead the celebrations.

In Masvingo, the provincial event would be at Mucheke Stadium, with the uniformed forces ready to entertain the crowd.

Bulawayo Prison from where the inmates escaped

Yemurai Ushamba, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have arrested two inmates who escaped from Bulawayo Prison, along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway on their way to the South African border.

The police apprehended the duo on Sunday, barely 24 hours after their escape.

Peace Mapfumo and Lloyd Hurukuru, whose ages were not disclosed, dashed to freedom while working at the prison’s car wash on Saturday evening.

A source told The Chronicle that the two were apprehended on Sunday afternoon at around 2pm on their way to South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post.

“After they escaped they went to one of their homes and they burnt the prison clothes. They put on new clothes but were arrested on their way to South Africa,” said the source.

The Provincial Public Relations Officer for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Mr Garainashe Moyo confirmed the incident yesterday.

“We can confirm that two inmates who had escaped from Bulawayo Prison on April 14 were apprehended by the police on the following day. Mapfumo was serving a sentence of six months for assault while Hurukuru was serving 21 months for unlawful entry and theft,” he said

“The two were part of a group that was washing cars and they connived to take to their heels last Saturday at around 6pm.”

Mr Moyo said prison officers with the assistance of the police tracked down the escapees and caught them at Makado roadblock along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway on the following day.

“They will soon appear in court facing charges of escaping from lawful custody,” he said.

Last month John Ncube from Lupane who was serving a jail term for assaulting his father allegedly escaped from prison after missing out on the Presidential amnesty.

President Mnangagwa last month pardoned thousands of prisoners as part of measures to decongest the prisons whose population had ballooned to about 20 000.

Mr George Charamba

Takunda Maodza, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to pay nurses who did not participate in the recent strike action benefits already agreed by Government under a $17 million pay review package released this week.

He also ordered that nurses who heeded Government’s call to return to work be awarded the same benefits.

On nurses who realised the full implications of their industrial action and want to re-join the service, President Mnangagwa directed the ministry “to follow procedures to re-engage them as appropriate and their terms be considered on a case by case basis”.

The President also advised the public workforce in general that Government was fully aware of their plight and the need for better conditions of service.

He, however, said they must be wary of political incitement and getting entangled in the party agendas of those seeking to derail Government efforts to revive the economy.

President Mnangagwa conveyed his position yesterday through the Presidential spokesman and Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Mr George Charamba.

“Government has been watching closely the situation in all our (public) hospitals and it has become clear to us that the situation can be summarised as follows: there are nurses who never left their posts. The President applauds their actions and has directed that these be rewarded benefits already agreed to by Government and towards which $17,1 million was released. We have nurses who heeded Government’s call to return to work after an agreement had been reached. These too have received the President’s praise for their reasonable conduct and as with the first group, the President has directed that they too be made to access the agreed benefits,” said Cde Charamba.

He added: “We have the third category of nurses who, upon realising the consequences of continued defiance both to themselves and the nation, have since revised their position. These have indicated their wish to re-join the service. The President has directed that the Ministry of Health and Child Care follows procedures to re-engage them as appropriate and their terms be considered on a case by case basis.”

Cde Charamba said President Mnangagwa instructed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to proceed with the recruitment exercise of unemployed nurses and those about to complete their training as well as recalling those in retirement who were still able and willing to serve.

There was, however, a limit to the number of nurses who went on strike the Government could re-engage to avoid overstaffing.  “The President has further expressed his deep compassion for patients who have been caught in this labour unrest and whose escalation, especially after Government had conceded to the nurses’ demands, became needless. He has a message for the general workforce in the country that whilst Government recognises their current plight and the need to improve their conditions (of service), care must be taken against political incitement to trigger a wave of strikes on the mistaken belief that Government will succumb to blackmail,” said Mr Charamba.

The President warned against unreasonable wage demands as these harm the economy which Government is working to turn around.

“Government is working extra hard to recover and improve the economy so as to benefit the employees sustainably. Unreasonable wage demands, or worse, obdurate industrial action will hurt this recovery process which the new Government is determined to see through without undue hindrance. The President appealed to humane leaders to act responsibly and in a mature manner bearing in mind that their unions can only grow in an expanding economy,” said Mr Charamba.

Vice President Chiwenga

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has ordered chief executive officers at Government hospitals and provincial medical directors to recruit nurses and replace those that were fired by Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) on Tuesday.

The nurses were dismissed after they refused to go back to work even though their employer had acceded to their demands and availed over $17 million.

The ministry advised the hospitals to recruit a maximum of 30 nurses at central hospitals, 20 at provincial hospitals, 15 at district hospitals, five at rural hospitals and one or two at rural health centres and clinics.

The ministry yesterday gave hospitals the green light to recruit nurses with effect from yesterday.

“Reference is made to the press statement by the VP Chiwenga on April 17, 2018. You are requested to recruit nurses to cover the gaps created by the nurses who were summarily discharged.

“Please, ensure that your relevant teams are in place to facilitate the recruitment and assumption of duty with effect from April 18, 2018 by retired and unemployed nurses,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Health Services Board (HSB) also issued a statement yesterday urgently inviting applications from qualified unemployed registered general nurses, primary care nurses and retired nurses below the age of 70 to fill nursing posts in the health service.

“In the interim, all members who are on vacation leave, annual leave and nights off are instructed to report for duty with immediate effect.

“Interested applicants should submit their applications to their nearest central and provincial hospitals and the provincial medical directorate offices with immediate effect,” said the HSB in the statement.

However, in a statement yesterday the Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (Zina) advised its members that the strike would continue despite the threats from the Government.

“Zina has taken note of the Press statement currently circulating on media platforms where Government alleges to have fired all striking nurses. We would want to urge our members to remain calm during these times.

“The position as already submitted to Government on behalf of Zina’s suffering members remains the same. As a result we advise all nurses that nothing has changed thus far with regards to the industrial action which is ongoing,” said the association.

The association’s secretary general, Mr Enock Dongo, said they had not received the latest development from the ministry.

“We’re only seeing the letter on social media platforms and we’ve not been officially informed about the developments. Even the nurses are yet to be served with the dismissal letters.

“The nurses have not reported for work because their demands have not been met and they were fired. We submitted our demands to the Government and if this is how they choose to handle our issues so be it,” said Mr Dongo.

He said the association would take the matter to court, adding that the $17 million being referred to was what the nurses are owed by the Government. The Government has not even deposited the allowances into the nurses’ accounts.

“The truth is that they are ignoring our issues. The $17 million is the total amount of arrears in allowances that the nurses are owed by the Government.

“We’re not fighting the Government and there’s nothing political about our communication with the Government. We simply want our concerns to be attended to and I believe we have the right to speak out,” said Mr Dongo.

Some departments at hospitals in Bulawayo are still closed as nurses have decided to continue with the strike.

VP Chiwenga in his capacity as the supervisor of the social services cluster condemned the behaviour of the nurses, saying their behaviour was politically motivated.

He said Government released and transferred a sum of $17 114 446 into the account of the Ministry of Health and Child Care for on-payment to the striking nurses.

@pamelashumba1

President Emmerson Mnangagwa lights the Independence Flame at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday

Fidelis Munyoro, Harare Bureau
President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the country’s economy is forecast to grow by 4,5 percent this year on the back of a robust performance in agriculture, mining, tourism and the construction sector. He also said his administration was alive to the pain caused by cash shortages at banks which he pledged would be tackled with vigour and urgency but cautioned the crisis could not be resolved overnight.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa recently revised his initial 2018 National Budget statement economic growth forecast from 3,7 percent to 4,5 percent this year.

The President said the bullish economic sentiment was partly a result of investor-friendly reforms being pursued under the new dispensation. He spoke of a brighter future of prosperity if Zimbabweans remain united and preserve peace.

“One of the most evident changes in the past few months has been the renewed spirit of unity, optimism and determination among our people,” said President Mnangagwa yesterday in his address to a packed Natitional Sports Stadium to mark Zimbabwe’s 38th Independence anniversary celebrations.

“Once again we are free to dream, to hope and to believe. This new spirit has spread outside our borders and we are hugely encouraged by the goodwill our country continues to receive from around the world. This renewed domestic and foreign investor confidence has seen our projected economic growth increase from 3,7 percent last year to 4,5 percent in 2018.”

President Mnangagwa said for the country to sustain the current growth trajectory Zimbabweans must think big.

“Let us believe that our tomorrow is greater. Let us boldly and proudly sing our national anthem and fly our flag high in renewed hope and unity. Let us think big of our country,” said President Mnangagwa, quoting a biblical verse, which says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is”.

“Let us also speak and confess well and the very best over our country, for the Bible again says, ‘death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof’.”

President Mnagagwa, who was presenting his maiden Independence Day speech since his inauguration in November last year, said Government had adopted a number of initiatives over the past five months to grow the economy.

His new administration, he said, was building on the success of last year’s Command Agriculture that led to an improved harvest and is determined to ensure continued food self-sufficiency, increased land usage and productivity through mechanisation and modernisation of the sector.

President Mnangagwa said the Government had injected $10 million into beef cattle breeding under the Command Agriculture which now includes cropping, livestock, fisheries and wildlife.

“In agriculture, as in all fields, we are strongest when we work together,” he said. “We therefore applaud the private sector which has partnered my Government in delivering these initiatives in response to our call for a united and collective approach to national economic rebuilding.”

Government’s ongoing efforts, the President said, would not only rejuvenate agro-value chain industries, but would also help improve the livelihood and incomers of the rural communities while contributing to the achievement of economic growth targets.

Turning to mining, President Mnangagwa said the sector continued to be one of the leading sources of investment and export earnings, with a huge impact on employment opportunities and the economy.

“To stimulate growth and send a clear message of the new Government, which has a new way of doing things, we have amended the indigenisation and empowerment policy, limiting the 51:49 investment ratios to diamond and platinum mining only,” he said.

“As a result we have opened up vast areas of our economy to international investment.”

President Mnagagwa also assured the nation that the Government was speeding up implementation of measures to resolve the shortage of cash in the economy.

Among the measures being taken to ease the cash crisis are the mobilisation of foreign finance from regional and international institutions, increasing foreign currency importation, opening up the economy to investment and increasing exports.

“We are well aware of the great hardships caused by the lack of availability of cash,” said President Mnangagwa.

“This is a painful and poignant issue for so many individuals and families across the country and a problem we are working tirelessly to solve.”

The President said the cash crisis would not be resolved overnight. He said their job as leaders was to honestly recognise the scale of the problems facing the nation and to create concrete plans to solve them.

He urged the financial services sector to create robust financial packages responsive to the new Zimbabwean economy. He reiterated his investment pitch that Zimbabwe was open for business.

“To this end, my Government will continue to implement legal, institutional and administrative reforms to increase the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa also said efforts were being made to rationalise investment procedures through the setting up of a one-stop-investment centre.

He said a national investment policy was now in place while an investment and business facilitation bill to give legal underpinning to Zimbabwe’s commitment to open up its economy was undergoing due legal process.

President Mnangagwa and others at a field day at Hilderstroom Farm in Chipinge yesterday

Nyore Madzianike, Manicaland Bureau
GOVERNMENT will not be distracted by the matter of illegal Western sanctions as it is focusing its energy on reviving the economy, President Mnangagwa has said.

The West imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2002 after the country embarked on the land reclamation exercise to redistribute to the majority blacks, the owners before colonial occupation by Britain.

Addressing thousands of people at a field day at Hilderstroom Farm, owned by Mr Irvene Taguta of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church in Chipinge yesterday, President Mnangagwa said now was a time to focus on the economy.

“We know we have been under sanctions for the last 18 years but we cannot afford to cry day and night,” President Mnangagwa said.

“We need to develop our country. We want to revive our economy, our industry, our roads and our rail should be refurbished and we must have a lot of boreholes. But we cannot achieve all this on our own. We can achieve this by attracting investors from outside the country,” said the President.

“For investors to come into the country we must have a conducive environment. We then agreed that let us say Zimbabwe is open for business,” he said.

“Let us find ways of countering those sanctions and develop our country while those who imposed those sanctions watch. This is what we are looking at and what we are doing as of now. We say Zimbabwe is now open and those who have been our friends during our struggle will remain our friends,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said countries that imposed sanctions must reconsider their positions.

On agriculture, he said Government was modernising the sector by investing in irrigation equipment.

Government has sourced irrigation equipment from Spain and Brazil.

India will also be providing some of the equipment soon.

He said there were plans to increase soya beans production under the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme next season.

“We have put soya beans on Command Agriculture with those in the rural areas expected to receive free soya beans next season. The same plan will be implemented for cotton farmers. They will receive their monies on time,” he said.

“I have been talking to Minister (of Agriculture) Perrance Shiri and he told me that they will be soon giving 99-year leases for free to those who benefitted during the land reform programme. But he said those who will be given the farms will pay some taxes since they will be supporting farming activities,” he said.

Commenting on the  situation in hospitals, President Mnangagwa urged unemployed qualified nurses to apply for jobs and fill the vacancies created by those who were dismissed for embarking on illegal industrial action.

The striking nurses refused to go back to work even after Government availed $17 million to meet their demands.

President Mnangagwa said the dismissed nurses could also reapply.

The President reiterated his message of a peaceful election and that foreign observers were free to come to Zimbabwe.

He called on his Zanu-PF party not to impose candidates as the party prepares for the harmonised elections.

President Mnangagwa was given a sculpture by visiting Mozambican governor of Manica Province, Mr Alberto Ricardo Mondlane.

President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Perrance Shiri and other Government officials.

Dr Joice Mujuru

Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development yesterday summoned former President Robert Mugabe to appear before it on May 9 to explain a claim he made in February 2016 that the country could have been prejudiced of more than $15 billion in unrealised diamond revenue from Chiadzwa.

The committee also invited former Vice President Joice Mujuru to explain reports linking her to diamond mining in the area.

Ex-Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, who was also expected to testify, has written to the committee to say he is unable to attend the hearings as he is currently receiving medical treatment outside the country.

In an interview yesterday, Norton MP Mr Temba Mliswa (Independent) said his committee resolved to call Mr Mugabe to explain how the leakages occurred or how he came about the figure.

“We met today as a committee and resolved that we invite former President Mr Mugabe to our committee to explain the disappearance of the $15 billion worth of diamonds,” he said.

“We have set May 9 as the date on which he will give evidence.

“It is a resolution that we made long ago, but we first wanted to receive evidence from other State institutions to determine whether it is necessary or not to invite him. After gathering all evidence, it was the committee’s view that we call the former Head of State and Government. The committee has also resolved to invite Mai Mujuru.”

Mr Mliswa said the committee would reschedule Mr Chihuri’s hearing.

“The former Commissioner-General of Police has written to Parliament to say he is not feeling well and that he is out of the country,” he said. “He expressed his readiness to come, so we will have to determine when he can come.”

The ZRP allegedly partnered a private firm, Gye Nyame, to extract diamonds in Chiadzwa.

A fortnight ago, Mr Chihuri’s former deputies – Mr Godwin Matanga, who is now ZRP Commissioner-General, and Deputy Commissioner-General Mr Innocent Matibiri – told the committee that they were not aware that the law enforcement agency was extracting diamonds in Chiadzwa.

Ex-Minister of Home Affairs Dr Ignatius Chombo and his former secretary, Mr Melusi Matshiya, told the same committee that they were also not aware that the police were involved in diamond mining.

Illegal miners work a section of Old Motapa Mine in Inyathi that has been invaded by more than 300 fortune seekers

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
THE situation is tense at a gold mine in Inyathi where a person has died after police called to restore order allegedly took over operations.

More than 300 illegal panners had allegedly invaded Old Motapa Mine in Bubi District following the discovery of huge gold deposits recently.

Phakamani Ncube (29) of Village 4, Lubanda area, under Chief Mtshana in Inyathi died while his three unidentified colleagues got buried up to their necks after the shaft collapsed when rival gangs invaded the mine on Wednesday last week.

Zanu-PF councillor for Ward 8, Herbert Ngwendu said knives are out after police called in to quell running battles among the panners started mining.

“It is disappointing that senior police officers (names withheld) continue to be behind rampant illegal gold mining activities in the district. When I informed them about the invasion last week, I expected them to come and maintain peace, law and order at the mine but instead, mining is continuing with panners informing me that police instructed them to work at night and they are allegedly sharing the proceeds. Mining at night in an unsecured shaft is even more risky and dangerous,” he said.

A number of illegal panners said the army should be called to the site before simmering tensions boil over.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Inspector Sipiwe Makonese confirmed the death of one illegal miner but denied that police were now extracting gold from the mine.

“I am not aware of any looting by police, and as far as we are concerned, a police team was deployed at the site to safeguard, monitor and ensure there is peace on site. Investigations will be made,” said Insp Makonese.

“One person died and three others were trapped for some hours. When police were patrolling the area, they discovered more than 200 people were working on the abandoned and disused mine shafts.”

Insp Makonese said the panners were heavily armed with machetes, axes, picks, shovels, hoes and spears.

Sources at the mine said a 65-year-old man discovered the gold and mined it secretly for almost a month. “Panners in the area smelt a rat when the old man suddenly started flashing money. He would buy beer for everyone and on one occasion he brought a truckload of beer from Bulawayo — more than 75 kilometres away— which was delivered to his homestead,” said a source.

“Some panners followed him and saw him digging at the mine and word spread, resulting in this gold rush.”

The old man allegedly extracted about 60 grammes of gold every three days and earned more than $25 000 in one month.

Cde Ngwendu said unemployment was a contributory factor to the often-dangerous practice of illegal mining.

“Because of desperation, illegal miners invade mines and embark on mining on uninspected sites which are dangerous as they usually collapse, trapping them to death. Locals usually don’t benefit from the riches in their area.

“As a community, our wish is that Metallon Gold re-opens their mine, inspects it, makes it safe for work and employs people. We need them to take control and ensure security and safety at the mine,” he said.

Another gold rush which attracted more than 500 illegal panners started on March 27 in Kenilworth.

Last year, 13 police officers were convicted under the Police Act for engaging in illegal gold mining in Inyathi, Bubi District.

Police prosecutors preferred charges ranging from criminal abuse of office, leaving their posts unattended and engaging in activities which violate the Police Act. — @winnie_masara

President Mnangagwa welcomes the Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sofia Calltorp at Munhumutapa Offices in Harare today.-(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Sweden will soon send a business delegation to Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities in a show of confidence by Stockholm in the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa.

The Swedish Government has also pledged $50 million per year to support Zimbabwe in various areas like health, climate, women empowerment and human rights among other areas.

This was said by Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Sofia Calltorp in an address to journalists soon after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices this morning.

More to follow…

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent

A 44-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb was on Thursday found hanging on tree near Madamara shops after he allegedly  committed suicide on his second attempt on his life.

Nelson Ndiweni’s  family said he was suicidal and had been contemplating killing himself for the past five years.

More to follow

Dr Gerald Gwinji

Paidamoyo Chipunza and Sibongile Maruta, Harare Bureau
Government has served nurses who disregarded its exhortation to return to work on Tuesday with dismissal letters, Health and Child Care permanent secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji has said.

In an interview with our Harare Bureau yesterday, Dr Gwinji said a number of the affected nurses were applying to rejoin the public health sector.

“We are also quite aware that as of today, many of those who participated in the industrial action turned up at their old workplaces inquiring as to how they can be taken back into the system.

“We are saying there are processes and procedures to that. They were served with their letters of dismissal but they can reapply,” said Dr Gwinji.

He said those applying for recruitment would be assessed for their commitment to serve.

“In that re-application, naturally there is going to be re-vetting of suitable and unsuitable cadres not only in terms of professional qualifications, but in terms of suitability to serve in the public sector considering what has been happening,” he said.

Dr Gwinji said institutions had also been directed to start the recruitment process on a first-come, first-served basis.

He appealed to those handling the administrative work to speed up the process to allow nurses to start their duties immediately.

Dr Gwinji said there were hiccups in the recruitment process on Thursday as officials were unsure of how to handle the applications.

“Quite a number (of nurses) have turned up at various institutions and we clarified the issue this morning (Friday) for them to go ahead and recruit,” said Dr Gwinji.

He said Government would continue recruiting until it filled all vacant posts.

“These nurses are already trained and qualified as far as we are concerned, but we know some of them might not have been practising, so they will undergo some orientation.

“However, many of them have been practising in the private sector, some on a part-time basis, but also others on a full-time basis and might want to come back to the public sector,” he said.

Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (ZINA) secretary-general Mr Enock Dongo confirmed that some of their members had received dismissal letters.

“We are not yet sure of Government’s position because some of our members have received the dismissal letters but in some provinces, they have withdrawn the same,” he said.

Meanwhile, the fired nurses yesterday tried to conduct free health check-ups in Harare’s Africa Unity Square as part of a publicity stunt, but the response from the public was poor.

The gathering, which began at 1PM, dispersed soon after lunch.

Speaking to our Harare Bureau on condition of anonymity, one of the nurses appealed to Government to reconsider its decision.

“We are committed to our work and we still want to go back to work. We hope Government will reconsider its decision and allow us to go back to work because we care for our patients,” she said.

Nurses downed tools on Monday demanding a review of their remuneration and working conditions, but refused to take heed of Government’s call to return to work after they were given a commitment that authorities would attend to their grievances.

Before the dismissal, Government had availed US$17,1 million to cover the health workers’ allowances.